NHAI set to get DPR nod soon for two flyovers on NH 66 in capital

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T’puram: National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) is set to get the nod soon from its headquarters for the detailed project report (DPR) for two new flyovers proposed at key traffic bottlenecks on NH 66 between Kazhakkoottam and Karode. The DPR for the two grade separators, one in front of Technopark Phase III at Attipra and the other at Lords Hospital Junction, has already been completed and submitted to NHAI headquarters. Senior NHAI officials said the approval is expected shortly, and the authority would move ahead with tendering once the clearance was received.The two pillar-based projects are being planned as part of NHAI’s efforts to address emerging congestion points on the newly upgraded NH 66 corridor. Though the Kazhakkoottam-Karode stretch has been developed into a six-lane highway, traffic continues to slow down at several junctions where large volumes of local traffic merge with vehicles using the national highway.

The Attipra stretch has emerged as one of the major congestion points, with the IT hub generating substantial traffic during peak hours. The Lords Hospital Jn is another busy point where traffic from the highway intersects with vehicles entering and exiting the adjoining areas. NHAI had earlier carried out traffic and feasibility studies at both locations before preparing the DPR for the proposed grade separators.

With the completion of the major NH 66 widening works, NHAI has been focusing increasingly on junction-level interventions to address bottlenecks that have emerged despite the overall improvement in highway capacity. Several junctions continue to experience peak-hour congestion because traffic bound for the city and major institutions has to leave the main carriageway through busy intersections.The Akkulam-Ulloor road junction is also emerging as another pressure point. The road provides an important link between NH 66 and the city, Medical College and surrounding areas and carries traffic from a large residential catchment. The Akkulam Tourist Village and Indian Air Force establishments are also located along this corridor.

NHAI has not yet proposed a flyover at the Akkulam-Ulloor Road junction. However, sources said the location could be examined for a grade-separated solution in the future if traffic congestion intensifies.Meanwhile, work on the Thiruvallom service bridge is expected to be completed by Feb 2027. Though the work was earlier expected to be completed by Dec, the deadline has been revised as the project involves critical construction work.Work on the Enchakkal flyover has also resumed, with traffic diversions introduced at the construction site. The crossroad connecting East Fort and Vallakkadavu has been closed as part of the latest traffic arrangements, while traffic on NH 66 is being maintained along the north-south carriageways.

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